This week is Runner Safety Awareness Week
What I see on the roads is appalling. Why would anyone think that the road belongs to them and that someone out there is always looking out for them? Again, my observations whilst running has me wondering why there aren’t more accidents and assaults given the lack of AWARENESS and the level of DISTRACTION on the part of runners, cyclists, and motorists. If increasing our awareness around the obvious distractions, i.e. cellphones, tourists, delivery bikes and bike messengers were enough to keep us safe, there would be very few incidents to report. Sadly, the level of vigilance necessary to run safely today is troubling but worth talking about.
Do we need to wear ID? ABSOLUTELY! I recommend RoadID, a company truly committed to educating the public about road safety, I never run without it. For the uninitiated, it is a wristband that gives vital information such as your blood type, allergies, and someone to contact, should an accident or incident occur rendering you unable to communicate. When you register your ID and fill out your Emergency Response Profile,Road ID can provide vital information to First Responders. On the back of your ID you will have a serial # and a pin # and your Road ID can be used internationally. I simply cannot say enough good things about this company! For more information, www.RoadID.com
It is critically important to wear reflective gear day or night. Never assume anyone sees you. I do not recommend running with headphones or listening to loud music particularly if you are running alone. I don’t recommend running alone in general, and never at night or pre-dawn but if you do, you must be aware and prepared. It is in everyone’s best interest to have self-defense training, particularly if you live in a city as most of us do or if you run alone. I had a runner tell me yesterday of a strung out person coming at her with force and her narrow escape (thankfully she was paying attention and is a fast runner) It wasn’t the first time she’d outrun a drug addict and as things are going, it won’t be the last. I too, experienced an attack not long ago while waiting for the light to change. A woman I thought was crossing the street toward me, came at me very suddenly and punched me in the stomach! It is reported that an assault takes place every two minutes. I am now paying ever closer attention to my surroundings and making no assumptions that things are normal out there.
If you are in New York this week, NYRR (New York Road Runners) is hosting a series of events at The Run Center ( 57th Street off 8th Ave.) having to do with staying safe on the street.
